Chlamydia cases on the rise

An increase in documented cases of Chlamydia in Ontario has prompted local and provincial health officials to spread the word about the sometimes silent sexually transmitted infection.

Since 2006, there has been a 40 % increase in Chlamydia cases in Oxford County and Oxford Public Health is urging people to get tested.

“People may not have symptoms so they may not be aware that they have the infection,” said Joanne Andrews, a supervisor for health protection with Oxford County Public Health.

Andrews said in the province, approximately 70 % of females who have been diagnosed with the STI show no symptoms.

“We know that we have a higher incidence in females,” Andrews said.

The province has launched a campaign called Friends Don’t Give Friends Chlamydia, which includes videos, information and statistics about the STI on the site www.findoutthewholestory.ca.

If left untreated, the STI can cause infertility in women and men. The infection is treated very simply, Andrews said, with antibiotics.

Symptoms could include burning with urination and lower abdominal pain. Women may have vaginal discharge, Andrews said.

People can be tested at their family doctor’s office or at public health clinics. The health unit in Woodstock offers testing four days a week and public health runs a clinic in Tillsonburg two afternoons each month.

“The important thing is for people to be tested to know if they actually have it or not,” she said.